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Should We Fear Death?

But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. - 1 Thessalonians 4:13

Death. It is something that both intrigues the world, and scares the world. It is something that we are faced with everyday, sometimes expectedly, and other times not. It is something that causes philosophers to sit and wonder, what really happens when someone dies. Is there a soul? Is there an afterlife? And if so, what is the afterlife like?

Some people have set answers as to what happens after death. Atheists proclaim non-existance, that this life is all there is. Buddhists and Hindus believe that we'll get another chance, constantly living in the "hamster wheel" of life until we reach Nirvana. Yet, others aren't so sure, and the very thought of death brings a deep conviction, a fear of the unknown.

But for Christians, death is something else all together. There is a hope, a life existing with God. I remember reading about Cassie Bernall in "She Said Yes." When she was asked if she believed in God, she quickly replied "Yes," most likely knowing that answer would cause her death. Yet, at an extremely young age, Cassie died with a great hope. A hope that there was something more, something worth proclaiming.

Because as sad as death is for us on earth, and as much as we mourn and miss those who have passed; the truth is, death is only the end of our life on earth. We do not simply cease to exist, or end up stuck in the "hamster wheel" of reincarnation (Hebrews 9:27), but rather we move on to live with God, in Heaven, for eternity (2 Corinthians 5:15). We move on to a place where we can truly glorify our Lord, a place that is free from pain and suffering (Revelation 21:3-4).

As Christians, we should not be ignorant, as Paul says, regarding those who have passed away. Rather we should rejoice that they are with the Lord, in a place more peaceful and joyous than we can ever imagine. And for ourselves, when darkness seems to surround us, we should remember that nothing can separate us from God's love (Romans 8:38-39), and that we have absolutely no reason to fear death (1 John 4:17).

Or as one person put it, "A Christian's life is really nothing more than a bus ticket to Heaven... sure it may be a bumpy ride now and then, but the destination is worth the price paid."

On October 28, 2008 by Mike I would also highly recommend reading the tract made in honor of Cassie Bernall's dedication to God by Clicking Here. You may also purchase the tracts in packages of 25 here.

Hebrews 9:27[27] And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:

2 Corinthians 5:15[15] And that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again.

Revelation 21:3-4[3] And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God. [4] And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.

Romans 8:38-39[38] For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, [39] Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

1 John 4:17[17] Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world.